COMMERCIAL SQUATTER
I own a 3000 sq ft building that was leased to a mechanic from 03/2000 to 02/2005. My tenant has always paid the rent on or before the due date. In November I went to collect the rent that was a week late and was told that my tenant was in Florida on a family emergency. In December I still had not contacted the tenant and returned to the shop to collect the rent. I was told by a worker that my tenant had sold the business and it was under new ownership. I found out who the new tenant was and questioned what he was doing there without a lease. He said he was not moving and he would pay me when the money started rolling in??????? I filed eviction through the courts against my previous tenant for non-payment of rent and not supplying an insurance certificate required by the lease. No one showed to court on the tenants side. A warrant of removal was served on the squatter yesterday giving him 3 working days to leave. He told the Constable that served him that he would have to come back with an army to get him out and he simply was not leaving because he had paid $60,000 for the business. OK, Finally, here is my question. Tenant owes $6800.00 in back rent. When he is removed, what happens to the equipment that is in the shop? For example there are 3 car lifts worth about $8,000. Do I have to give him the opportunity to remove this equipment even if he has violated the 3 day move out period? Need Advise!!!
Repoman 
[ Edited by RepoMan on Date 02/22/2003 ]
I AM NOT A LAWYER AND ADVISING IS NOT WHAT WE DO HERE...SIR...BUT IS LOGICAL IF YOU HAD PUT IN THE LEASE THAT FOR EXCESSIVE DAYS LATE (X, Y, OR Z,) YOU WOULD HAVE TITLE REVERT TO THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY...
I HAVE A FAX ADN I DO JUDGEMENTS IF YOU WANT SOME ACTION OR AT LEAST MAKE A RECORD FOR THE COURTS I AM HERE TO OFFER MY HELP...IS THERE SOMETHING CALLED MORAL TERPITUDE IN THE USA AND IF A NEW LEASE ((OWNER))SECONDARY... DOES NOT APPROACH THE PARENT OWNER OFTHE BUILDING THAT IS TRESPASSING...AND HE CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE PROPERTY IF THEY HAVE TO PICK HIM UP AND CARRY HIM OUT PHYSICALLY...DO YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THE BUSINESS OWNER THAT I CAN RUN FOR YOU IN FLORIDA...?
AS TO WHAT HAPPENED TO HIS FAMILY OR HIM...?
GOD BLESS